Headaches!

Let's talk headaches - 

I hate them! I've been getting headaches as early as I can remember. 

Now, I'm not a doctor. I don't even play one on TV. There are times when a headache is the symptom of some pretty serious problems. With that in mind, you always need to be checked out by your doctor if headaches are a problem for you. Please know that this post is not about a cure and isn't a replacement for medical care. It is just my personal experiences with headaches. Phew - now that's out of the way...

In my very unofficial observations and surveys, it seems people are either prone to them or aren't. I am, for several reasons. Allergies is a biggie. I'm also prone to stress causing them. Diet plays a part.  But the brain surgery I had in 1987 is a fair contender for the top reason. 

There are so many different types of headaches I couldn't go into all of them here. Plus that is the stuff for neurologists to discuss. I get migraines and numerous other types too. The biggest point I want to make in this post is that different issues take different methods. Just because they all fall under the label of headache, doesn't mean there is one single fix. 

One of the most successful things I have learned over the years in treating (and heading off, and even preventing) my headaches is learning my body. No one, no doctor, can know YOU like you can. About 7 years ago I was seeing a naturopathic doctor on a regular basis. I think the most important thing she did for me was to teach me to pay attention to what my body was saying. To be a student of me. Take notes, keep a calendar, write lists, don't dismiss a symptom as not related, it might be. If I feel uncomfortable with what a doctor is suggesting or it "doesn't fit", question it. Get a second opinion. 

The second most important thing I learned in my headache care

a moment of silence please...

was from a neurologist. He told me a headache is a sign something is out of balance, not right, or outright wrong. It doesn't necessarily even have to be something in your head! Light bulb moment. I can eat a food (diet soda, or anything with fake sugar) and get a migraine - e v e r y t i m e! Something in my digestive track was crying foul in my head. Go figure. Or I could be getting unexplainable chronic migraines for months - like 5+ a week, and then have them disappear as soon as my previously undiagnosed, infected, full of stones, gallbladder was removed in emergency surgery on a Sunday morning. True story. 

original post

As I began my essential oil journey one of the main issues I wanted to address were my headaches. I didn't want to be on a maintenance medication (horrible side effects for me. If there is a 2% who gets the side effect, I'll be it), I didn't want to take the prescription migraine medication either, and it often didn't work! The first thing I tried was peppermint topically. It worked sometimes. Then I tried lavender. It worked sometimes. Then I tried this headache buster blend from Dori at www.richestoragsbydori.blogspot.com. It worked more often. 

Then I remembered the 2 previous things I had learned and started to apply them to using essential oils with my headaches.  Ding! Ding! Ding! "We have a winner"! That was it! I haven't taken a prescription or OTC medication for headaches since. It takes a mindset change from "my head hurts, take a pill", to "my head hurts, what have I eaten recently, what's the weather, am I stressed, etc., then treat". 

Here is the process I go through and what I use. 

• I first determine if it is a "headache", or impending "migraine" (I've had to learn to go further back in my search for migraine symptoms. Sometimes the nausea begins 12 hours prior). This determines how aggressively I attack it. 
• I decide if my seasonal allergies are bothering me. If yes - I apply LLP to my face and head where it hurts and some in my belly button. This can often eliminate the headache for me with no further treatment needed. 
• I try to recall if I have exposed myself to any of my food sensitivities. If yes - I take a capsule of digest and apply LLP to my belly button. Amazed me the first time this worked. I had done it on a hunch.
• I assess if I am stressed, anxious or tense. If yes - I apply LXR to my brain stem and temples and a little to my wrist (so I can smell it at will). This will relieve a tension headache for me often. If I am extra tense/stressed/anxious or the first application doesn't work, I layer Jeddy's blend on top.
• I check the weather. These are my toughest headaches and the most frequent cause of any migraines I still get. Any low, or quick change in pressure will cause a severe headache for me due to my prior brain surgery. For this I will apply LXR, then layer the Headache blend (SN Relief) on top. Often it is wise for me to apply these again in a 1/2 hour to kick it from the start. I will also re-apply in a few hours if I even have an inkling that it is coming back. I also make sure that the weather change didn't trigger seasonal allergies as well and cause a double whammy. If it has, I use LLP too. 
• If I am thinking I have a hormonally induced headache - Zen and Clary Sage over my heart and on my brain stem, then lavender on a warm rice bag on my head works wonders. (this requires me laying down for 10 min. hard to make myself do sometimes, but so worth it)
• Think about the cause you are treating. What is causing the head pain?

If it is a migraine (any of the previous headache causes can trigger one for me)- I hit it heavier from the get go. I wait less time between the first try of an oil and the second try or repeat layer.

I would love to say I don't get headaches anymore. Unfortunately, I do. Not quite as often now that I studied my body and its reactions. I have eliminated the diet Coke headaches for sure. Like I said, a headache is a symptom, the above list merely treats that symptom with a natural, pure product that has no side effects for me. 

The process, or the oils may be different for you. Remember YOU are the expert on your body. If one doesn't work, keep trying until you find what does. I had read several other's posts on how they treat a headache naturally, and used that as a starting point. I experimented from there. 

I can't tell you enough, trust your instincts when it comes to your health! Our body is very intuitive. Now and then I will just stand at my oils and try a single oil that "just seems right". Remember to check how it is used - the side of the Spark Natural's bottles state "for aromatic and topical use only", or "for aromatic, topical, or dietary use". You will get to know your oils and their properties by using them. 

If you decide to try any of these oils for your headaches - each are linked (affiliate link) to the Spark Natural's website. If you put in coupon code BENDERBOYMOM at checkout you will get 10% off your order.

If you have found an oil helpful to your headaches, please share in the comments!

Wendy

Improved Health....

Blood test results 10 Months later...

Just in case this information looks familiar, I posted this information to my Facebook a while ago. But for all of you who didn't know me back then, I figured I would share again. And honestly, I am behind on posting and just don't have the time at hand to re-create the wheel right now. Truth. There it is. 

So my husband's work asks us to get a biometrics test annually. If we comply, they give us a discount on our health insurance. Um, yeah. We can use that. So, for the past few years I let them weigh, measure and take blood from me. Of course they expect you to make lifestyle changes to get healthier. This past year, their evil plan worked! In all reality, I'm regularly trying to be healthier, have been for years. My heredity didn't deal me the greatest cards on this one. Anyway, This is the first year my efforts have actually shown in my biometrics! Can I get an Amen?!

Funny thing is, I saw less doctors and took fewer medications this past year. Hmmmmmm, let's think about that for a minute. 

I have been making little life changes as I can. I am not eating fully --- organic, grass fed, grain free, or sugar free but I live with the mentality that anything little I do today is better than before. I'm working on all of those things.  My biggest diet change was to try and eliminate processed foods, preservatives, and chemicals. Progress not perfection as we say in recovery. 

I followed the same "progress not perfection" premise with essential oils starting in about October of 2013. I started with LLP for allergies and lemon
in my water. 

I have been able to get off of most of my medications (that I now believe were causing more harm than good - but please know I am not a doctor, you should consult your doctor before any medication changes). 

I use Pure Essential Oils for most everything in my life. They are just part of my daily routine and my first go to when ANY issue arises (physical and emotional health, personal care, cleaning, etc). Below is a picture of the blood test results from last year and this year. The flower this year's results. I was not following any specific "cholesterol lowering" EO regimen. But I will tell you that using essential oils for my different medical conditions' symptoms allowed me to wean off the prescriptions. (I can't stress enough you need to talk to your doctor first on that). 

I cut out some of the personal parts of the report, but suffice it to say my height & weight have not changed and neither has my activity level. My BMI went down .1% (read 1/10th) and I lost 2 inches in my hips. 

I wanted to share how much "little changes" can help. Thank you Camp Wander for getting me started on a journey of health! 

What little changes are you starting to incorporate? Please share with us in the comments so we can all be encouraged.

Where to start...

Starting Out With Essential Oils...

So the most common question it seems is "where do I start?" I get it, really I do. The world of essential oils can seem overwhelming. I've even had one person tell me it is like reading another language. I felt that way too in the beginning. It is hard to believe how far I've come in the past 8 months. You see, I am a researcher. Not by trade or anything. But I research something to death before I begin. Call it caution, informed decision, or neuroticism :). But if I have any inkling that I am going to get sucked into something, I want to know how badly I'm gonna be hooked before I commit. This is a long standing pattern in my life. (Usually) It serves me well. Starting my journey with essential oils was no different. One of the things I love about Camp Wander is how she cites reference articles in many of her posts. Facts - love it! 

I shared last week how I started with Lemon, Lavender, and Peppermint, or LLP, for my allergies. After researching oils and how people use them, I decided to attack a problem, my allergies. But it doesn't have to start that way. You can just start with appreciating the way something smells. Aromatherapy. There are so many health benefits to be had while enjoying a scent from a pure essential oil. Or maybe you just need to start with a few drops of lemon, or lime, or orange, in your water. Our Citrus Kit is great for that. 

With all of that said....

I usually say to start with the Essential 4 pack  because you can do so much with it. Here is a great printable from OGT , and another. 

However, If you have any anxiety - diffusing LXR is the BEST! I also dab a little on the back of my neck, over my heart, and on my wrists.  

At this time of year I might suggest starting with a bottle of Shield  and a diffuser. It is great for killing germs and keeping the whole house healthy. 

One of the benefits of Spark Naturals is that they offer their oils in both a 5 ml and 15 ml size. I would start with the 5 ml bottles of things so you can tell if you like it. There are certain ones I knew right away my re-order would be a 15ml because I love it so much **read I cannot live without my LXR**

If you just want to jump in and buy several oils to start, than the Health and Wellness kit is the best place to start.  It is 10 - 5ml bottles of 7 single oils and 3 blends all focused on your health and staying well.

What I would have done different now that I'm "all in". 

*Buy a diffuser right at the start. I waited several months. I now realize it would have been better if I had postponed a few of the oils I bought in the beginning to redirect those funds to a diffuser. It is an investment, but well worth it and everyone benefits from diffusing. I wouldn't be without it now. Plus it is a great way to ease yourself (and family) in. I know I often post of my topical and internal use of some oils, but diffusing is very effective as well.

*Try the blends early in your journey. Spark Naturals has already done the work for you on these. They are so easy! Why reinvent the wheel.

*Try some of the single oils for their properties listed in their description on the website. I was excited to make blends at the start and always felt I was "missing" an oil I needed. I've discovered that sometimes less is more. 

*Key Point!!!  If you hear nothing else in this post, please here this. The purity of your essential oils matters. A lot! I started with a few cheaper oils from the health food store. I did not get the results I had read about. Even though they said "pure", they weren't. Scary to think what chemicals I may have exposed myself to as well. I could instantly tell the difference with the first Spark Naturals oils I ordered. I trust Spark Naturals. They are tested pure. Here is the excerpt from their web site:

Pharmagrade:

Spark Naturals  products are Certified Pure PharmaGrade – CPPG™ – a physical standard ensuring our products are of the appropriate identity, strength, quality, purity, and consistency standards used internationally for quality and purity. Our raw materials are tested and authenticated to be of pharmaceutical grade purity. 

But more than that I trust the experience of others I respect, who trust Spark Naturals too. Whatever brand essential oils you use, please make sure they are tested, high quality, pure, oils. Here is a great post of a simple way to check

.

However you decide to start, just start. It will begin to open your eyes to some great tools for health. If you have questions please contact me. I am happy to try to answer them or help you find the answer. 

Happy Beginnings!

Wendy

Allergies of all kinds

Allergies...

I've had them all my life. At a very young age (4-5?) I can remember crying on my mom's lap because my sinuses hurt. I had chronic ear infections, puffy eyes, and headaches as a child. I have always had seasonal allergies, except I'm so lucky I get to be allergic to something in every season!. I also have food sensitivities, allergic to mold, maple trees, grass, and even my dog.

Allergies are what got me started on essential oils. My whole family has at least seasonal allergies, and a few members got my lucky 'extras'.  I have to admit, I was open to alternative medicine long before learning about essential oils. Don't get me wrong, I'm not opposed to the allopathic practice of medicine. It saved my life at age 17.   But over the years I have sought more traditional and natural methods time and again. I'm just not happy with the side effects that most medications have on me. I'm one of those people that is in the 2.5%. You know, the "less than 3% of people suffer this side effect" person.

When I ran across essential oils we were spending quite a bit on allergies medicine and other OTC drugs for the symptoms that weren't helped by the prescriptions. However, when I really looked at the big picture, I felt the prescriptions weren't helping at all. We spent $50/mo copay each on nasal sprays for 3 people. We used to pay a $60 (then $30 generic) copay for Claritin for 2 of us but then it became OTC. Our cost tripled for that. I paid $15 for prescription steroid eczema creme that 2 of us shared (shhhhh....). We bought Advil and Tylenol at Costco for the headaches/sinus pain and Sudafed at the drug store. My hubby was taking anywhere from 2-4 Sudafed and Tylenol/Advil doses a day depending on the season. I was doing at least 2. Then there was the frequent cost of antibiotics for when it all didn't work and we got sinus infections. Mine and my husband's liver function numbers were "concerning" to the doctors when we had our annual blood test. I was sure there had to be a better way.

Enter essential oils and Rebecca's blog www.campwander.com. I ran across her blog from Jill at www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com, her sister. I love these girls! They have awesome ideas. Anyway I began to read Camp Wander daily and liked what I read. I had always believed if there was a natural solution to something, it was the better route. I searched her blog for allergies and found a great post! I bought the supplies; a bottle of Lemon, bottle of Lavender, a bottle of  Peppermint (LLP), roller bottle and some fractionated coconut oil) and got started. I made my first allergy roller bottle, immediately used it, and IMMEDIATELY it started working on my congestion! I kid you not, right away my sinuses began to drain! Nothing over the years has ever worked that fast or that well on my allergies. It isn't perfect by any means, and it isn't a cure. I still have allergies. But when it comes to managing the symptoms, nothing beats LLP - hands down! The best part is it is natural, so if any allergies are really still bugging me an hour later I can reapply with no worries, no overdose risk, no negative side effects.

I keep this LLP roller with me at all times. I use it rolled on my sinuses for typical allergy congestion. I also roll it on my temples for allergy headaches, behind and in front of my ears for ear congestion, on my eyebrows when my eyes are itchy or watery (not too close, it will burn), on bug bites, in my navel if I'm having an allergic food reaction, or in my navel if my dog is making me itch all over. My husband and I also take a capsule of 6 drops LLP internally daily for allergies. We up it to 9 drops a capsule if it is a particularly bad time of the season.

It does seems to have had one side effect. It has improved both my husband and my digestion - go figure! I'm sure it is the daily peppermint and lemon.

Lucky for us -

Spark Naturals makes LLP all ready for you in a blend called, wait for it....LLP! 

To celebrate how awesome this blend is, and to get someone out there started on essential oils, I'm giving away a 5ml bottle of LLP and a 10ml  roller bottle. 

To make the roller I use:

Place 30 drops LLP in the roller then fill the remainder of the space with fractionated coconut oil. That easy!

(You can also use 10 drops each of lemon, lavender and peppermint if you use your bottle all up and don't have any super, duper, easy LLP)

You can use fractionated coconut oil, or any carrier oil that works for you, in the roller. Almond seed oil, grape seed, hemp seed oil, your choice.